John Sadler joked that “trainer stubbornness” had delayed Merrigold’s first attempt at a mile before her breakthrough win at Flemington.

The five-year-old mare had previously been kept to sprint and middle-distance races, but thrived when stepping out to win the Vobis Gold Distaff (1600m).

Despite going winless through six runs this preparation, Merrigold had shown promise, including a fourth placing at triple-figure odds in the Vobis Gold Bullion (1400m).

Sent out a $10 chance, she settled off the pace under Jye McNeil before charging clear to score by two lengths over Make It Sweet, with Jimmy The Bear finishing third.

“I really wanted to run her in a mile race,” Sadler said.

“Everybody was keen to see how she would go over a mile, including myself, but I really doubted that she’d run it.

“She was given a beautiful ride and every chance to run it, but I was surprised how strong she was at the end of it.

“She ran right through the line and that’s probably her best win.”

Sadler said a few things had gone against Merrigold earlier in the campaign, but all fell into place on Saturday.

“Everything went well for her today and even though it would be a mile, she was really, really good.”

With the trip now proven, Sadler will look to target black-type races to further enhance her value.